Letter: DTH mischaracterized DACA letter

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Thank you for covering the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) event held Monday evening in the article “UNC students united and outraged over DACA announcement.” The turnout in support of our students and employees was impressive and heartfelt. I was pleased to participate on a panel with immigration attorneys from our community as well as with articulate students and community organizers who are working to inform our campus on the effects of the rescission of DACA.

Chancellor Folt and many of our senior leaders have spoken publicly in opposition to President Trump’s decision to end the DACA protections. Following the announcement rescinding DACA, we wanted to immediately reach out to our community. The campus email underscored our solidarity with those who have been put in a vulnerable situation. I regret that the article implied that our statement was hastily thrown together. This misrepresents my feelings about the situation and our statement; I was trying to convey the urgency of the situation that my colleagues and I care so deeply about.

The most important message about the University’s response is that we are dedicated to supporting and assisting students and staff affected by the sudden rescission of DACA by President Trump. Carolina takes seriously our responsibility for educating all members of our student body, and we reconfirm that commitment to students who are DACA participants.
Ronald Strauss
Executive Vice Provost and Chief International Officer

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